In the 15th century, during the reigns of King Taejong and King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, laws stipulated that the concubines of officials from the "two classes" were not allowed to inherit social status, forming the "middle class". In the 16th and 17th centuries, the system of imprisoning commoners led to significant differences in political ranks and economic conditions between legitimate and illegitimate individuals. In the 18th century, the Joseon Dynasty experienced four generations of changes in kings: King Sejong, King Gyeongjong, King Yeongjo, and King Jeongjo. King Yeongjo advocated the "pacification policy" to ease party disputes and stabilize the political situation. Literati from humble backgrounds, in order to break down discrimination and prejudice, lift identity restrictions, and relax political conditions, have shifted from a gentle demand to the king to submit a "humble confession" to a more intense struggle. Emperor Yingzu affirmed the views of Zheng Zhenqiao and others in his will, expressed understanding for the unfair treatment they received, but believed that this matter needed to be handled with caution. In the 21st year of Emperor Yingzu's reign (1745), commoners no longer needed "nano" to participate in the imperial examination; In the 48th year of Emperor Yingzu's reign (1772), commoner literati were also able to hold "Qing positions" through the imperial examination. Zhengzu followed the governing ideology of Yingzu and further expanded his governance concepts in culture, resulting in an increase in comprehensive national strength and cultural soft power, and rapid socio-economic development. On the basis of Emperor Yingzu's "Tongqing" reform, Zhengzu established the position of prosecutor and appointed literati from commoners. The changes in local identity and ideological transformation of the literati of the middle class in the Joseon Dynasty before and after the Yanxing period reflect the adjustment of the social structure of the Joseon Dynasty in the 18th century. The changes brought by the literati of the middle class had a profound impact on the historical direction of the Korean Peninsula in the 18th century and beyond.

1、 The identity dilemma and literary thought transformation of people in the 18th century Joseon Dynasty

In the 18th century, the people of the Joseon Dynasty faced an identity dilemma. Despite attempts to reform during the reign of Emperor Yingzu, the "two classes" still dominated the political situation, and it was difficult for commoners to gain substantial status advancement. They sought breakthroughs through literary creation and formed a unique literary style. Common literati such as Pu Qijia and Li Demao expressed their disdain for the imperial examination and confidence in their personal talents through poetry and prose. They turned their attention to pure literary fields such as poetry, calligraphy, and painting to showcase their talents. The works of the "Four Poets" were circulated in China and appreciated by scholars in the Qing Dynasty. The literary creations of Chinese people reflect more on the essence of literature and personal pursuits, and have an impact on the exchange and ideological construction of Korean literature. Hong Darong's Yanxing experience and friendship with Pan Tingyun and others had a profound impact on Korean literati, inspiring their desire for literary exchange across borders, ethnicities, and identities. Pu Qijia and others hope to achieve their personal ideals by making a name for themselves in China. Their literary creation and ideological transformation are closely related to the need for breaking boundaries from their humble origins.

2、 The influence of Yanxing on the appearance of the people in the 18th century Joseon Dynasty

In the 18th century, the people of the Joseon Dynasty achieved a leap in identity and a renewal of their thinking through the Yan Xing activity. During the reign of Emperor Zhengzu, commoner literati were promoted to higher ranks through the "Commoner Innocence Qingtong Program". Among them, Park Qi Jia, Li Demao, Liu Degong, and others became inspectors of the Kui Zhangge, participated in the Yan Expedition, and exchanged ideas with Qing Dynasty scholars, promoting the development of Korean literature. The formation of the White Pagoda School reflects the collective consciousness of commoner literati and middle and lower class literati. They centered around poetry, scholarship, and history, forming a unique cultural hub. These intellectuals not only focus on their own culture, but also have an international perspective. Their creations and exchanges have broken through the limitations of the Joseon Dynasty and constructed a collective literary space for Asian intellectuals. Their works directly indicate that the author's communicative scope expanded to the Qing Dynasty, emphasizing the dissemination value of literary authors and critics coexisting in different places, and pursuing the value and positioning of Korean literary works in China. At the same time, their attention to Japan, Vietnam, and the West made them the most cutting-edge group of literati in the study of foreign cultures during the Joseon Dynasty.

3、 The ideological transformation of scholars in the 18th century Joseon Dynasty

The ideological transformation of scholars in the 18th century Joseon Dynasty was reflected in three aspects: firstly, the Chinese people moved from the social periphery to the political center. For example, through their talents and the reforms of King Jeongjo, such as Park Ki ja, they became close courtiers of the king, influencing the king's thoughts and proposing reform suggestions. Secondly, Chinese scholars began to abandon the old concept of the "distinction between Chinese and foreign cultures" and advocated learning from China, such as the Northern School discourse of Park Ki ja and Hong Darong. Although they encountered opposition from the literati class, it gradually influenced the ideological changes of the Joseon Dynasty. Finally, Chinese scholars emphasize the importance of "practicality and practicality", focusing on people's livelihoods and national prosperity. For example, Park Ki ja and Lee Deok moo proposed learning from China's technological innovations to improve the living conditions of the North Korean people, reflecting a profound reflection on the fate and future development of the country.

4、 Conclusion

In the 18th century, intellectuals from the Joseon Dynasty utilized their knowledge of Chinese literature and their experience of traveling to Yan to break through their identity limitations and serve as close courtiers to the king. They have become a link between the ruling class and the people through their literary talent and foresight, promoting cultural exchange in East Asia. The Chinese academic achievements, personal and group understanding, and determination to change fate of middle-level intellectuals have promoted social class crossing and the salvation of the country through northern learning, and have had a profound impact on international exchanges of Chinese literary thought.